Five players who could replace Philippe Coutinho at Liverpool

Brazilian remains on course for the Nou Camp

As Philippe Coutinho’s transfer to Barcelona edges ever closer, Liverpool are beginning the search for the 25-year-old’s replacement. Coutinho will not leave on the cheap and with over £100m set to be banked from his sale the Reds will not be short of money to spend.

Liverpool have already seen bids turned down by RB Leipzig for star Naby Keita. So, who else could manager Jurgen Klopp be in for before the end of the transfer window?

The Coral News Team think they may have found the answer…

The Premier League Star: Manuel Lanzini

If Liverpool do choose to buy at home, they could be tempted to go for West Ham United’s attacking midfielder Manuel Lanzini.

The Argentine would be a direct replacement for the Brazil international and crucially already has experience of the league. A record of eight goals and two assists from 35 games last season speaks for itself, and at 24-years-old, the Hammers star has plenty of longevity.

The Ligue 1 Outcast:Julian Draxler

The German star may have only joined PSG from Wolfsburg in January, but the arrival of Neymar from Barcelona puts Draxler’s future at the French club in doubt.

Liverpool will be looking for a star name to replace Coutinho and the 23-year-old certainly fits the bill.

Champions League football is also likely to be on offer at Anfield, giving the Merseysiders a significant advantage over fellow suitors Arsenal.

And with Draxler available at around £35m, it means the Reds won’t need to break the bank.

The Serie A Unknown: Alejandro Gomez

European football fans will no doubt be aware of Atalanta’s Alejandro Gomez.

But for viewers solely of the English game the 29-year-old may have passed under the radar.

In 37 appearances last season the Argentine scored 16 goals and provided 10 assists as Atalanta capped a fine season by finishing fourth in Serie A.

Gomez is at the peak of his powers right now and for a price a great deal cheaper than the others on this list; Jurgen Klopp may fancy the diminutive attacker at Anfield.

The Bundesliga Youngster: Julian Brandt

Having already failed in an attempt to sign Naby Keita from Leipzig, Liverpool may return to Germany and bid for Bayer Leverkusen’s exciting young winger Julian Brandt.

The 21-year-old already has 10 caps for Germany and at 6ft 1in is physically suited to the Premier League.

His stats aren’t bad either. In 32 games last season the youngster netted three goals and made eight assists as Leverkusen finished a disappointing 12th.

A move to Anfield would represent a step-up for Brandt and the opportunity to develop. At such a young age there’s plenty of room for improvement for the Bremen-born star.

The Brazilian method: Luan

Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino are both products of the Brazilian football, so Liverpool may be tempted to go back and try their luck with a direct approach.

If that is the case then their most obvious choice appears to be for Gremio forward Luan.

The 24-year-old has been linked to Anfield already this summer, but with more cash soon to be available for Jurgen Klopp, the Reds boss could be tempted to jump back into the market for the midfield.

It’s a longer shot than the rest, but as Firmino and Coutinho have proved, sometimes it pays to go for a Brazilian.